Deepa Jayakumar launches 'MGR Amma Deepa Forum', says will contest from Jayalalithaa's constituency

Deepa Jayakumar first shot into limelight when she alleged that she was not allowed to meet her aunt Jayalalithaa when she was hospitalised for 75 days.

Chennai: Deepa Jayakumar, the niece late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, who openly stood against VK Sasikala, kick-started her political career by launching the 'MGR Amma Deepa Forum' on Friday.

Interestingly today is Jayalalithaa's birth anniversary.

While addressing the media Jayakumar said 'MGR Amma Deepa Forum is a federation at present moment and urged the youth to support it.

Responding to a query, Deepa said people wanted that she should contest from RK Nagar constituency that fell vacant following the demise of J Jayalalithaa.

"I will definitely contest. Though I was not keen on entering politics, it is the people's wish," she said.

Jayakumar, who has been attacking Sasikala said, “There is a traitor group working behind the Tamil Nadu government, adding that she would work continuously to throw away this group.”

On whether it was appropriate for her to join politics after Jayalaithaa's death as she had not taken part in politics, Deepa retorted that even Sasikala had no political experience.

"Sasikala plunged into politics to promote her family," she said. 

Terming her political journey has started, Deepa said her forum would also contest the local body polls.

Queried about her meeting former Chief Minister O.Panneerselvam who had revolted against AIADMK General Secretary V.K.Sasikala, she said it was a courtesy call and not a decision to work together.

Deepa termed her brother Deepak Jayakumar's interview to some television channels voicing opposition to AIADMK's Deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran as unclear, wondering why her brother has suddenly come out against Dinakaran but continue to support Sasikala.

A month after her aunt and former Jayalalithaa died, Deepa Jayakumar had declared that she has entered politics and will work to fulfill aspirations of AIADMK workers.

London-educated Deepa first shot into limelight when she alleged that she was not allowed to meet her aunt Jayalalithaa when she was hospitalised for 75 days. Later, she also alleged that she was not allowed to attend Jayalalithaa's funeral in December.

The niece of 'Amma', has claimed to be the “real political heir” of the late AIADMK leader.

On AIADMK's decision to elect Jayalalithaa's close aide Sasikala as the party's general secretary and the leader of the legislature party, Jayakumar gad said: "Being with someone for 33 years is not a qualification to become the Chief Minister of a state."